Lake Byrne via Lost Creek Ridge

Lake Byrne via Lost Creek Ridge is a very strenuous, 24 mile in-and-out backpack with 6,500 ft in elevation gain. The trail cuts up steeply through old-growth forests to Bingley Gap and then follows the relatively flat and very scenic ridge.

driving directions

Start at the Lost Creek Ridge trailhead on Forest Road 49, off the Mountain Loop Highway. The trailhead is 30 mi from Verlot Ranger Station on a gravel road.

on the trail

Establish first night camp at Sun-up Lake, 6 miles and 4,200 gain from the trailhead. Six miles and 1,000 further up the trail is Lake Byrne, at the end of Lost Creek Ridge. Snow generally lingers into summer, so expect snow patches (no ice axe needed).